Watch the RNLI’s most dramatic rescues of 2020

A new video featuring the RNLI’s most dramatic rescues of 2020 has been released as the lifesaving charity braces itself for another busy Christmas.

The RNLI is urging people to take care as Christmas approaches because statistics show lifeboats will launch over 100 times during the festive period to help those in need.

Figures over the last 10 years for the festive period show that RNLI lifeboats will launch on average 111 times and aid 55 people back to safety, with many volunteers having their festive celebrations interrupted.

The RNLI’s new video highlights the incredibly challenging conditions that its lifesavers have braved to save others.

Dramatic footage shows Hastings RNLI lifeboat almost capsizing after launching to a surfer in trouble during the very violent Storm Ciara in February this year.

Around the UK and Ireland, many volunteer crews have battled horrendous weather this year. Most recently, three lifeboats from Dunmore East, Kilmore Quay and Rosslare Harbour faced strong winds and breaking seas as they battled for hours to save a 4,000-tonne coaster and nine crew from being washed onto the rocks.

Also featured are the volunteers from Porthcawl RNLI as they rescue a surfer in huge breaking waves who had been swept out in a rip current, and crews from Oban in Scotland face biting winds during Storm Ciara as they were called to a group of divers reported to be in difficulty. In Northern Ireland, local people captured video footage of Portrush RNLI when its all-weather lifeboat launched in stormy seas to rescue a surfer, with a lifeboat crew member jumping in to save the young man.

Jayne George, RNLI Fundraising Director, says: “The most challenging weather of the winter is likely still to come and our lifesavers are ready to face it. This Christmas, our dedicated volunteers are prepared to leave their loved ones at a moment’s notice to save complete strangers. As a charity, our RNLI lifesavers rely on the support of the public so they can continue to save lives. Our fundraising has taken a huge hit this year, so please support our Christmas Appeal to ensure we can keep on saving lives. To donate visit RNLI.org/Xmas.”

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